Noakhali district, whose earlier name was Bhulua, was
established in 1821. It was named Noakhali in 1868. It consists of six
upazilas, 5 municipalities, 45 wards, 90 mahallas, 83 union parishads, 909
mouzas and 978 villages.

The ancient name of Noakhali was Bhulua. Once the
agricultural activities of the north-eastern region of Bhulua were seriously
affected by floodwater of the river Dakatia flowing from the Tripura hills.
To save the situation a canal was excavated in 1660 running from the Dakatia
through Ramganj, Sonaimudi and Chaumuhani to divert water flow to the
junction of the rivers Meghna and Feni. After excavating this long canal
Bhulua was renamed "Noakhali" after "Noa" (new) and
"khal" (canal) in 1668.